Does the room you're in matter when you're teaching? "Most of us would like to believe that the environment that seems external to our practice is generally inconsequential. After all, we are typically taught to focus on internal factors such as curriculum, instructional planning and delivery, monitoring, and evaluation. Yet research and analysis in education has repeatedly highlighted the powerful impact that external environment can have on professional practice for an educator" (Herrera & Murry, 2011, p 154-155). Below is a link to a more in depth look at the research and ideas behind this. Click the button to learn more.

There are many other factors to consider when discussing the learning environment besides the physical space. Other factors include the internal environment, which "refers to the atmosphere of the school and classroom" Herrera & Murry, 2011, p 156).

I currently teach in Korea, so my experience has been with Korean kindergarten and elementary students (exclusively Korean). My students are usually used to a foreign teacher, but we are still foreign teachers and thought of as a novelty at first. They can be shy because I'm a foreigner and they are uncomfortable with me or there can be other social pressures to deal with.

Students that don't feel comfortable or 'safe' in a classroom will "seek out faculty members ... with whom they feel they might find a safe haven (Robinson & Clardy, 2011). This is the first, and most important, step in really understanding the students, being the safe haven. One way of creating that safe haven is opening up about our experiences and trying to build a foundation on some common ground. Being the first to open up will allow the students to participate in adding their experience without as much fear of being judged. This opening up, in my experience, tends to lead to a better understanding of the background and learning style of the student and a more openness of the student to be motivated to try new things. They have shared and are more connected to the group and the class. The method that works for me is outside the curriculum. Just trying to invest time into talking to the students and getting to know them on a personal level without being on the stage of talking in front of the class. I usually take time during break or while students are doing certain bookwork or worksheet work to walk around and talk to them a little. It is a non-threatening, non-judgemental way to let them know you care and their views are important. This method can help build a safe learning environment that all students can be comfortable in and ready to learn and participate.

For more in depth reading on the international ideas of learning environments click the button below.

"Everything that we see is a shadow cast by that which we do not see." (Martin Luther King jr.)

Woman on the Bus

A woman looks at her phone on a bus in downtown Seoul, 2015

Seoul Protest 2015

People from around 120 unions and groups organized the protests on Saturday, December 5th, that saw thousands marching through downtown Seoul. Many people carried signs that said roughly "listen to the people" as they feel the current government is not working for the people but for the Chaebol (large corporations).

Mask Dance

Thousands took to the streets to protest several government plans in Seoul on Saturday, December 5th. They were told not to wear masks because of the "threat of ISIS". The protesters responded by wearing thousands of masks, some dancing traditional samulnori along the way.

Shoulder View

Getting a better view of the traditional Korean dancing at the Bupyeong Festival, this girl sits on dad's shoulders.

Angled Emotion

A man picks up recycling in the city while a little girl pouts in the doorway behind him.

Framing the Street

Tucked into an alley in northern Seoul, graffiti hides as people walk past.

The Clown

A performer prepares to entertain children on Children's Day at Children's Grand Park in Seoul.

Yellow Dust Love

A couple gets intimate during yellow dust season in Myeongdong. "Yellow Dust" is the polluted air that drifts from the Gobi Desert, picking up coal pollution over the cities of China, to Korea.

Rock Reflection

Cape Disappointment, Washington

Launch Pad to the Universe

The Milky Way jetting up from the peaks at Colonial in the North Cascades, Washington

Watercolor Sky

The colors of sunset above Eastern Jeju Island, South Korea

The Race

Two shooting stars race across the night sky at Liberty Bell Peak, Washington

Mt. St. Helens

From Johnston Ridge

The Girl with the Mask

"Park Geun Hye resign" is written across her mask. She speaks loudly without noise in the crowd f nearly a million protesting the president of South Korea on 11/12

Monk in the Front

A million people took to the streets on 11/12 to protest the president in one of the largest protests in Korean history. Many religious leaders joined together to hold signs that read "Park Geun Hye resign"

Man with Candle

One of a million protesting the president of South Korea on 11/12, holding a candle for the vigil and marching to show his support of the president stepping down.

Helping Hands

These girls help this man light his candle as night falls over approximately a million people in the streets of downtown Seoul on 11/12.

Anti-Government DJ Spinning

A DJ spins music for the crowd of protesters on 11/12 as they march against the president of Korea.

A Family Marches

A family marches with candles during the protest on 11/12 that saw a million people spill into the streets of downtown Seoul.

Flying

Flying on the shoulders of her father, this girl had a VIP view of the million person protest against the president on 11/12

Spectacle

Overlooking the crowd in the square, a man surveys the scene. Lights, musicians, food stalls, and a million people peacefully protesting the president and chanting in waves, "Park Geun Hye resign".

Tiring Protest

A little girl yawns on her father's shoulders late into the night as they continue to march against the president.